Gov't employees group calls for wage hikes, end to privatization

A coalition of government workers on Wednesday called for immediate economic relief, higher wages, and a stop of privatization policies amid reported rising prices.

In a statement, the All Public Sector Unions said government employees are facing stagnant wages and increasing living costs, which have pushed many into debt and forced them to cut back on basic needs.

“The current administration has clearly failed its own government workforce,” the group said.

They also pointed out that measures such as the Oil Deregulation Law and the privatization of key sectors, including oil and energy, have weakened the state’s ability to stabilize prices and protect consumers.

All Public Sector Unions also flagged similar issues in other essential services such as power, water, transportation, and healthcare, saying privatization has led to higher costs and reduced access.

Among its key demands, the group called for an increase in the Personnel Economic Relief Allowance (PERA), removal of value-added tax (VAT) on basic goods and services, and the implementation of a ₱36,000 minimum wage in the public sector.

The coalition also urged the government to regularize Job Order (JO) and Contract of Service (COS) workers, citing job insecurity and lack of benefits among contractual employees.

All Public Sector Unions called for the protection of workers’ rights, alleging that labor groups continue to face red-tagging, harassment, and intimidation.

In addition, it pushed for the passage of the Public Service Labor Relations Act and demanded accountability for corruption, urging authorities to recover public funds and redirect them to wages and social services.

The coalition also reiterated its opposition to further privatization, calling for the restoration of public control over essential services. —VAL, GMA News